Speakers

THE THEME FOR THE RETREAT IS WOMEN OF COURAGE.

These are the speakers for the 2025 Retreat.

Anne Elliott

Anne Elliott is a wife and mom to seven kids. She lives in Michigan, where she homeschools, blogs, and writes curriculum. She is passionate about feeding women from the Word and helping them grow in their walk with Yeshua, His Torah, and their relationships with others. Find her at AnneElliott.com and HomeschoolingTorah.com.

Heidi Cooper

Heidi and her husband Doug have been married for 25 years, and have seven children. They homeschool and homestead on their Michigan farm where the days are filled with coffee, animal care, and discussions around the dinner table. Heidi helps families and especially moms build their homes on Torah and Scripture. She has written several books including ‘My First Torah’ and created a planner for Torah keeping moms. You can find her at www.torahfamilyliving.com. Heidi also enjoys knitting and crochet, Bible study, and joining in the discussion at her local Shabbat fellowship.

Kayte Abaffy

Kayte Abaffy is an accidental documentary producer, food enthusiast and former TV actor who’s worked with her journalist husband Luke to create The Way documentary, The Christmas Question documentary (with 119 Ministries) and The Truth: Reformation 2.0, an apologetics book for Torah observant believers. Now they’ve launched The Life, a weekly lifestyle podcast for our community. She and Luke live with their three kiddos in a handmade, 386 sq. ft. off-grid tiny house on their homestead-in-progress. Learn more about the docs, book and podcast at: thewaydoc.com and thelifepodcast.co.

Amy Kay Guenther

Amy Kay Guenther will speak at a session as well as be your hostess throughout the entire retreat. Amy Kay is the woman behind Torah Sisters, the magazine, and this retreat. She’s a homeschooling single mom of three wonderful teens who quit her nursing job in 2021 and now does Torah Sisters full time. The mission YHWH has given her is to first raise her children well, minister to her local community, and encourage the greater Body of women in Messiah so that they never feel alone or lose sight of His big picture for His daughters and His people.

Special Thanks

Cameron & Jen Kreager

Cameron & Jen Kreager will join us again this year! Cam will be running the production of the retreat, so you’ll spot him in the back running sound, A/V, and generally paying attention to those little details that will make this retreat an amazing experience. Jen will be Amy’s right hand, helping with set up, check-in, liaison with Faholo staff and so much more. Cam, Jen, and their children have lived in Michigan for 3 years. Cameron is a worship pastor at a Lansing church and I get to fellowship with their family on Shabbats. Jen is a homeschooling mama, photographer and more! She even sells some pretty great Torah shirts in her Esty shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/NotOneJot. My favorite shirt is her “Michigan Shabbat Shalom” shirt.

Jackson & Christian Guenther

Jackson and Christian will be helping again, too! They are Amy’s sons and have become a very valuable help to her. Most of their work is behind the scenes with set up, moving equipment and supplies, and working with Cam on production, lights and sound. You might also see them when you purchase Torah Sisters items from Amy’s tables. Jackson is in his first year of college at home, studying to be a naturopathic doctor. Christian is a full time tenth grader and basketballer. Their sister, Bethany, is a guest, but also helps a great deal, too.

Tentative Schedule

This schedule may change, but it will give you an idea of what the retreat will be like.

Wednesday, May 14

8:30 Breakfast

10:00 Activities and free time

12:30 Lunch

2:00 Tabernacle

4:30 Retreat ends, Must be checked out of rooms by 5:30 pm

Important Details

WHAT IS DIFFERENT FROM LAST YEAR?

If you’ve attended before, you’ll want to know these four changes. 1. The camp increased their prices, but I am keeping ticket prices the same. Therefore, to save money, I will no longer be having the comfort station with all the unlimited free stuff. 2. There may not be any teaching workshops, or fewer workshops. The surveys said that you wanted more free time and fewer teachings, so you got it! You’ll love the slower-paced atmosphere this year. This is very much a retreat and not a conference. 3. Yah-willing, I’m going to try to get us some of the camp activities to do during free time. I have other ideas for free time, too, but cannot share yet. 4. The camp has a new cook for 2025, and has been serving their groups since Summer of 2024 and I’m told the other groups and ladies retreats have been loving his food and options.

WILL THE SESSIONS BE RECORDED?

The truthful answer is that I just don’t know, but I will try! Recording sessions is not as easy as it sounds, and I want our full attention to be on our live audience. Please just do your best to join us and don’t count on a recording. It worked out great last year, but I cannot promise for this one. Whenever technology is involved, I never make promises. Attendees are not allowed to record the sessions in any way.

CAN YOU HELP ME FIND A RIDE?

No, I cannot do that. First, I don’t have time and second, I don’t know how to do that safely. I tried a Facebook group in the past, but it yielded little help for ladies. I recommend getting the word out to your local fellowships that you are looking for a ride.

WILL THE FOOD BE CLEAN?

Yes! The kitchen staff at this facility will accommodate our Biblically clean diet (not kosher) and have done this for other groups as well. They have been very good at this in the past.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS?

You can tell me about your special dietary needs and food allergies when you purchase your ticket.  Only ask for the most important special food needs that pose immediate danger to your health. Please do not ask for preferences, weight loss plans, etc. The camp has a new cook for 2025, and has been serving their groups since Summer of 2024 and I’m told the other groups and ladies retreats have been loving his food and options.

CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD?

Each ticket includes the meals, whether or not you eat them is up to you. There are no refrigerators available for your use. There will be very little room for a cooler in your room, but you might fit a small one. There is no ice for sale at the camp, but there are gas stations not too far away. If you need to prepare your own meals, the best option would be to camp in an RV so you have your own little kitchen and fridge. I expect those tickets to sell out, so snag one soon if you need it.

WILL THERE BE A SWAG BAG?

You betcha there will be a swag bag! Purchase your ticket before April 1, to guarantee you get a swag bag full of goodies. Click here for information about including your gift in the swag bags.

WILL THERE BE A MARKETPLACE?

Yes! Come with a list of upcoming gifts you need to buy. Bring your checkbook in case someone can’t take credit cards. Have a business? Click here for information about promotion opportunities and to learn about being a vendor.

CAN I REQUEST A ROOMMATE?

Yes, you can request a roommate(s) when you purchase your ticket and I’ll do my best to accommodate your request. But, please know there is a chance it may not work out. I will be making the roommate assignments and you will get them upon arrival. I will say, though, that at previous retreats, several women were roommates with strangers and the women were thrilled with their new friendships! Sharing rooms makes ladies become close friends fast! We are here to build relationships more than anything, right? Please pray for me in this. Making the rooming assignments is one of the most challenging parts of putting on a retreat! I’m very careful and it takes a very long time. Teen girls must be in the same room as their moms, however, so I will make sure of that request.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?

I cannot give refunds. You may give or sell your ticket to someone else on your own. I cannot help find a buyer for your ticket.  The woman who purchased your ticket needs to email me, too, at Amy@TorahSisters.com.

CAN I PAY FOR JUST ONE OR TWO DAYS?

No, I’m selling tickets for the entire event only. You can come for just part of the event, but you must buy a ticket for the entire thing, even if you are unable to come for the entire time. If you need to arrive late, please let me know.

CAN I BRING MY DAUGHTER?

If your daughter is 14 or over, yes! Please buy her ticket separately in a different transaction/checkout. You must be sleeping in the same room as your daughter. Note this when you buy your ticket. TEENS CAN ONLY COME WITH THEIR MOM OR LEGAL GUARDIAN. The only exception will be for a teen whose mom has passed away and a woman from her congregation is coming to be responsible for her. No other teens may come without their mother. This is for safety and legal concerns. This is not a teen retreat.

WILL THERE BE SPECIAL PROGRAMMING FOR THE TEEN GIRLS?

No. This is a women’s retreat, not a “mother-daughter retreat.” I am not planning special programming for the teen girls. Yah has made it clear to me that my mission is to minister to women, and not necessarily teens. There is a lot of value in them doing woman things with the women and hearing women talks from the women, and just joining in with us in what we are already doing.  I will have a table for the teens to sit together at some meals. Prepare your daughter to come ready to pour out into her peers, ready to give more than she receives, and I pray she will be blessed tremendously with new friendships as she shows the love of Yeshua to her new friends.

Teen girls must be in their rooms when all of their moms have gone to bed. A group of teen girls (or even one alone) should not be up and awake outside of their room late into the night alone without one of their moms supervising them.

CAN I BRING MY INFANT?

Yes, but you have to stay off site at a hotel. I’ve run out of accommodations on site for infants. You should purchase the “off site” ticket and get a hotel or air bnb. Also, read the following requirements:

1. Email me at Amy@TorahSisters.com to let me know you’re brining your baby.
2. Only infants 6 months old and younger may come. (Not yet crawling.)
3. Purchase the “off site” ticket and get a hotel or air bnb. I’ve run out of accommodations on site for infants.
4. Please be courteous and exit when your infant becomes disruptive during services. There will be older women who are hard of hearing and others who will really want to be able to focus during this special time, so please be considerate.
5. There are no nursery accommodations at the retreat. Please bring with you all the necessary supplies.
6. There is neither a refrigerator available for us to use nor ice for sale for coolers at the camp.
7. With all of that being said, I hope you can join us! Bring your stroller and come! The ladies and I love these little babies and welcome you! And be ready for lots of women willing to help you so you can relax and enjoy yourself!

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT FLYING IN?

I’m so glad you’re flying in to join us!

1. Fly in to DTW, Detroit Metro airport. It’s only about a 30 minute Uber to the camp from DTW.
2. After you buy your ticket, Click here to join a Facebook group where you can ask to borrow stuff. The local ladies will be happy to bring you extra blankets, pillows, hair dryer and so on.
3. Whenever you spend a lot of money on a trip, I always recommend purchasing trip insurance. Ask your regular insurance agent about this, rather than just purchasing from the airline. It usually costs very little and will likely help you in case of unforeseen events.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

Some ideas of things to pack:

Towels Twin-size sheets if you buy a dorm ticket Blankets if you buy a dorm ticket Extra blanket if you get cold – the one they provide is not very warm. Pillow if you buy a dorm ticket Towels if you buy a dorm ticket Toiletries Water bottle Tote bag for your Bible, water bottle, and so on, for walking around camp Swimsuit for the hot tub and pool Pool towel Water bottle Earplugs Sleep mask Checkbook for shopping (not all vendors take credit cards) Favorite games Bible An extension cord or power strip for charging your phone. Casual clothes. Comfy shoes for walking Jacket, hoodie If you are flying and don’t want to pack a hairdryer, I’m sure you can borrow it from someone.

WHAT ARE THE ROOMS AND BATHROOMS LIKE?

See the gallery of pictures below to see images of the insides of some of the rooms.

WILL THERE BE WALKING?

Yes, this is a camp, so there will be a little walking. It’s all close together, though. Your car will stay parked. If you have a disability, there are some parking spots at each of these buildings for a few of our Sisters to drive back and forth. Most of us will walk.

CAN I BUY A TICKET AT THE DOOR?

No, I don’t plan to offer tickets at the door. However, email me, and I’ll try, but don’t just show up. Amy@TorahSisters.com.

ABOUT THE DRINKING WATER

The camp has city water. I recommend bringing a water bottle and filling it up with ice water at the dining hall at mealtimes to take with you. There is also a drinking fountain at the tabernacle. If you have special water needs, please bring your own water. Be considerate of your roommates, though, because there may not be room for you to have a whole case of water at your bedside. Consider leaving it in your car and bringing in a few bottles at a time. This may also help keep it cool as there is no refrigerator available for Retreat attendees. I provide bottled water for my staff and speakers only.

WHAT ABOUT THE PRONUNCIATION OF THE NAME AND OTHER CONTROVERSIAL MATTERS?

At Torah Sisters, I’ve always insisted that this be a place of shalom and no arguing or hurt feelings, and the Retreat will certainly be the same. There are a wide variety of beliefs among Torah Sisters who will come to the retreat. All of us believe that Yeshua is the Messiah and the source of our salvation and that as believers, we are to keep Torah. But beyond that, there are differing interpretations of scripture in several matters. Some of these matters that many of us interpret differently are:

• how to say the name of YHWH
• which calendar
• Judaism
• head coverings
• women wearing tzittzit
• what the word “Christian” means
• which kinds of food ingredients are clean
• occult practice of energy healing and the like
• and so on.

If any of these types of matters are so important to you that it would hinder peaceful fellowship, then this is not the retreat for you. However, the Father has shown such astounding grace to us that surely it is an easy matter for us to be able to show that grace to others. Please remember that while we may have our differences, we are of one accord in many things and this retreat is to be one of shalom and grace among us. I want you to join us! I will add that I don’t want any discussions where one woman is trying to convince another to do any of the following: reject Yeshua as Messiah, reject Paul, say we don’t need to keep all of Torah and the Feasts or promote polygamy. I do pray you exchange phone numbers so you can go home and discuss these important matters from home. I just don’t think they are appropriate discussions at the retreat where so many others can overhear your conversations, so I ask that you please refrain from those discussions if they come up. Energy scanning, diagnosing, or healing sessions may not be done at camp. Every space at the retreat is a shared space, so no one has their own threshold.

DOES THE CAMP HAVE ANY RULES?

Yes, indeed, the camp facility does have some rules we must abide by. There is no alcohol, smoking or pets allowed on the property. If you bring alcohol, the camp will send us all home immediately without a refund. Don’t bring alcohol, not even in your car. If you bring it, I’ll ask you to leave immediately without a refund because it puts me at risk of losing several thousands of dollars, and would ruin and end our event. Don’t bring alcohol onto the property. When you purchase your ticket, you are agreeing to these terms. Thank you!

CAN I STAY AN EXTRA NIGHT?

No, I cannot offer extra nights. Please plan to arrive during the check in time and leave at the end of the event. There are lots of hotels nearby if you have a long ways to travel.

WILL THERE BE ANY OF THE CAMP’S ACTIVITIES?

Yes! Adult ladies 18 and over can use the pool and hot tub anytime except during tabernacle times. Teen girls can use the pool and hot tub when a lifeguard is on duty, which is to be determined, due to staffing. You will also be able to walk around the camp, sit by the beach, play disc golf, and do other basic recreation activities.  I’ll also have some card and board games available.

IS THERE A FACEBOOK GROUP FOR US?

Yes! I have created a Facebook group just for those who purchased tickets. Click here to join the group after you purchased your ticket.

WHO SHOULD NOT ATTEND?

This is not an all-inclusive list, of course, because each situation is unique, but here is a short list of women who should not attend the retreat. I have this policy to ensure a shalomy and Yeshua-focused retreat for all of us. If a woman stirs up conflict or gossip at the retreat, I’ll ask her to stop. If she continues to do so, I will ask her to leave. With such a short retreat, that is all the time I will have to deal with the situation in the most Biblical manner possible at such a short event. Women who are not allowed at a Torah Sisters event:

• Women who just want to argue.
• Women can’t stop grumbling, complaining, or trying to get others to complain against Amy, the Retreat volunteers or the camp.
• Women who can’t control their gossiping.
• Women who stir up conflict and discord in the community, either online or in real life.
• Women who are under any sort of discipline or restriction at any congregation.

What did they say from the last retreat?

“I knew no one at the retreat and came alone, but felt welcome right away. One of my favorite things was the request that we sit with different people at each meal. It was such a great way to meet a lot of people and helped avoid segregating into little cliques. I also met someone who lives near me, and we are able to join them for Shabbat sometimes!” -Shannon P., Columbus, OH

“I didn’t know anyone and hadn’t met anyone Torah observant when I bought my ticket, but I’m so glad I did! Everyone was so friendly and made me feel very welcomed. I now have the encouragement I desperately needed, and I’m so thankful I traveled the distance!” Teresa J., Reno, NV

“I had a great time at the retreat. I plan to attend 2020. I met lots of new lady friends and made two real special friendships because of the roommate pairings! The speakers were super inspirational and no one there was judging the others “walk” or “beliefs” and they were a wide range of walks and beliefs represented! Everyone was able to just enjoy each other’s company.” Barbara K., Winona, TX

Feedback from past surveys

“I thought the retreat was wonderful! I left blessed and thankful I came!”

“All the speakers did a great job and everything was very well thought out!”

“Keep doing what you’re doing and being lead by Him! It was a truly beautiful experience I won’t forget.”

“It was really so very thoughtful and intentional and just wonderful.”

“You thought of EVERYTHING and even things I didn’t know I needed were provided!”

“It was excellent, and I cannot think of any way to make it better.”

“You did an amazing job Amy! I was blown away by how well the retreat went!!”

“I really think your scheduling was very well thought out. I was very impressed.”

“This retreat was such a blessing because everyone seemed to be genuinely walking in love. No gossip or backbiting, no cliques.”

“For all the conferences I’ve gone to, I have to say Amy’s organizational skills are off the charts.” “I loved having the schedule on the back of the name tag.”

“Very much worth the drive!”

“I loved having it where we did. It was all amazing! Thank you for all of your hard work!”

“I really liked the schedule because it gave opportunities for down time and shopping and fellowship in between.”

“I loved all of it. The give aways were particularly fun! Did every attendee get a prize?? It seemed like it! The polls were a fun way to bring unity. Having worship with the music videos was actually great. I was a little uncertain how that would feel but it was really enjoyable. “

“Loved it all! would not change a thing. Especially enjoyed the polls. The announcements were very helpful and we always knew what to expect. ” “Announcements were very helpful. Loved the worship time. ” “First time here, was very great experience.”

“There was nothing I didn’t like about them, I actually LOVED every part of it, from the announcements to the giveaways, the Worship was AWESOME, I thought you did wonderful on the song selection, the short videos brought me to tears every time! “

“Everything was well laid out. Worship songs were spot on!”